New to Axie's- Tank Set Up

[umdprevet]

Hello everyone!

My future roommate and I are interested in getting axolotl's for our dorm room next year. I have a 40 gallon breeder tank on hold, now I'm trying to figure out how I want to set up the tank. We're planning on getting two.
For substrate, I'm still undecided as to whether or not I'd like to use sand or bare-bottom. Is a bare bottom tank that stressful? Is sand higher maintenance?
Also, I was wondering if I could fill the entire 40 gallon tank and use a power filter, of if I should only fill it around half way and then spring for an external canister filter.

Anything else I should know/consider or any advice is awesome also.

Thanks, all!

[Leanne]

I use sand and it is easy to clean. I do daily pooper scooping and fortnightly 20% water changes with running my fingers through the sand to get the yuk stuff out. I also think the canister filter is best. I would fill the tank all the way up because it is easier to keep the water parameters and temp stable.

[umdprevet]

Thanks for the advice. I'm still a little worried about water height, though. Will they be able to reach the surface fine? I know they can swim, but that's quite a distance.

[Urmat]

Their native habitat is a lake, they will be fine. Also, its not the height of the tank that counts, its the footprint. A longer tank is better for axolotls than a tall one because they get pretty big and dont really require deep water, but they can do just fine in deeper water. You also want to make sure that whatever filter you get doesnt cause too much of a current.

[Gromky]

They'll get the surface ok. They may look silly, swimming and swimming in place trying to go up (or, more hilariously, trying to swim down again after gulping air)...but if they really want to get up they will. Unless your oxygen levels are horribly low, they'll be just taking in oxygen from the water anyway.

A 40 breeder filled is a fantastic tank for axies. Fill the tank, keep it cold enough for them, worry about water conditions. Depth won't be a problem if they're happy otherwise.

[umdprevet]

Awesome, thanks so much!